INDIANA — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is issuing a final call for small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Southwest Indiana to apply for federal assistance. The deadline to submit applications for low-interest disaster loans related to last summer’s severe storms and flooding is Monday, April 20, 2026.
The funding is designed to offset economic losses caused by the weather events that occurred between June 28 and July 2, 2025.
Eligible Counties and Programs
The disaster declaration specifically covers six Indiana counties:
- Daviess
- Dubois
- Greene
- Knox
- Martin
- Pike
Under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, assistance is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofits. Crucially, organizations do not need to have suffered physical property damage to qualify; the program is intended to help those who experienced financial setbacks and “economic injury” due to the disaster.
The SBA’s disaster loans offer flexible terms to help sustain local economies while they recover from long-term disruptions.
Key Financial Details:
- Loan Amounts: Up to $2 million.
- Interest Rates: As low as 4% for small businesses and 3.652% for nonprofits.
- Repayment: Terms up to 30 years.
- Benefit: Interest does not accrue, and payments are deferred for the first 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
These funds can be used as working capital to cover essential operating expenses that would have been met had the disaster not occurred, including fixed debts, payroll, and accounts payable.
While most small businesses and nonprofits are eligible, the SBA notes that agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers are generally not eligible for this specific program (except for small aquaculture enterprises), as they are typically covered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
According to Chris Stalling, associate administrator of SBA’s Officer of Disaster Recover and Resilience, these loans help eligible small businesses cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery. They play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.
How to Apply
Eligible entities are encouraged to act promptly. While the SBA will offer a 60-day grace period following the April 20 deadline, applying early ensures faster processing.
- Online: sba.gov/disaster
- Phone: 1-800-659-2955
- Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
- Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Dial 7-1-1 for relay services.
